Janine Thomson - Victoria Home & Condos Sales

06/12/2026

On top of Bickerton Condos- James Bay. Beautiful Olympic Mountain views across the way!

06/11/2026

Some great news for Langford and the Westhills community. On June 9, Habitat for Humanity Victoria announced a new affordable housing project in partnership with the City of Langford.

Habitat has purchased land on Irwin Road and plans to build 26 townhomes, creating more opportunities for local residents to move toward homeownership. The development is expected to include a variety of housing options to support working professionals, families, and those needing more accessible living options.

For the first phase of the project, which includes 16 homes, the City of Langford has provided a per-door grant through its Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. This funding supports Langford’s Attainable Homeownership Program and comes from developer contributions through rezoning, rather than taxpayer dollars.

06/10/2026

If you’ve ever been to the Carolinas and many other ocean communities, this shows you what’s involved in moving homes built on sand Keyes where the homes are raised on stilts to deal with ocean tides, rising sea levels, and hurricanes. Ultimately this house had to be moved back due to rising ocean levels.

06/09/2026

Bear Mountain Community Guide for golf and outdoor enthusiasts!

06/09/2026

Before and after photos of a living room, as we added in some soft neutrals with organic beige colors, orange and wood accents.

06/08/2026

Places to visit - Englishman River Falls!

06/07/2026

One of the best parts of summer in Greater Victoria is exploring the incredible variety of outdoor markets that appear throughout the region. From farm-fresh vegetables and locally raised meats to handmade jewelry, artwork, baked goods, flowers, live music and food trucks, these markets showcase the creativity and agricultural richness of Southern Vancouver Island.

Read more:
https://www.janinethomson.net/blog/99973/the-ultimate-summer-market-guide-2026-for-victoria-gulf-islands

06/07/2026

New Listing - East Saanich -Cordova Bay

Nestled among the trees in sought-after Cordova Bay, this enchanting 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom rancher offers a rare blend of arts-and-crafts charm, modern comfort, and West ...

06/06/2026

Today we remember the courage and sacrifice of the Canadians who landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944. More than 14,000 Canadians took part in the invasion of Normandy, and many paid the ultimate price in the fight for freedom.

This day is especially meaningful to me as I honour my grandfather, Charlie Wilmot, a high-ranking officer in the Royal Canadian Navy and a deep-sea diver during World War II. He served throughout the war, on dangerous missions across the Atlantic, including the difficult task of recovering those who never made it home.

We will never forget the bravery, sacrifice, and service of all who answered the call.

Lest we forget. 🇨🇦

06/06/2026

🏠Now & Then: 151 Oswego Street (Built 1884 - 85)

One of James Bay’s most charming heritage homes has been watching over the corner of Oswego and Simcoe Streets for more than 140 years.

Built in 1884 - 85 by carpenter **William Francis Patton** for himself and his wife Martha, this picturesque cottage is one of the oldest surviving houses in the neighbourhood. Its distinctive Italianate design features ornate arched bargeboards, decorative finials, a welcoming front porch, and an unusual triangular bay window that still catches the eye today.

The house has witnessed generations of Victorians pass through its doors. Among its residents were government officials, merchants, engineers, physicians, and even **Lathom Blacker Hamlin**, a civil engineer who later joined the Klondike Gold Rush and tragically perished in the Yukon in 1898. Over the decades, the home also served as a revenue property for prominent public servant **John Graham**, who was appointed to Vancouver Island's Treasury Department by Governor James Douglas.

The historic photograph, taken in the 1950s, shows the house surrounded by a simple picket fence and open landscaping. Today, the beautifully maintained property remains a landmark at this prominent James Bay intersection, demonstrating how Victoria's heritage homes can continue to thrive while adapting to modern city life.

From horse - drawn carriages to bicycles, automobiles, and pedestrians, 151 Oswego Street has quietly witnessed the transformation of Victoria for nearly a century and a half.

📸 Then: City of Victoria Archives, Madge Hamilton Collection (1950s)
📸 Now: 2026